Bills Blank Bonnies for 33rd Win

ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis baseball team defeated St. Bonaventure, 1-0 to pick up its 33rd victory, matching the school record for wins in a season. The Billikens have eight games remaining to overtake the 2010 squad and set a new win standard.

The win also gave Saint Louis their 14th victory in conference action. This win gives the Bills the most conference wins in the A-10. The 14-7 Billikens are tied with the 12-6 Rhode Island Rams for first place in the conference.

Today's game was a pitcher's duel from beginning to end. Saint Louis starter Nick Bates threw seven shutout innings, allowing a mere seven hits with one strikeout and one walk. Asa Johnson of the Bonnies was just as effective throwing a complete game eight innings with four hits, two strikeouts and three walks.

The Billikens' only run came in the second inning. Junior Steve Fernandez opened the frame with a walk. Mike Vigliarolo sent him to second on a single to left field. Marco DiRoma advanced Fernandez to third on a deep fly to right field. Vigliarolo then moved to scoring position on a wild pitch, giving the Bills runners at second and third with one away. Grant Nelson hit a tough grounder to second. St. Bonaventure second basemen Jason Radwan made the out, but not before Fernandez crossed the plate to score the game's only run.

James Norwood pitched the ninth inning to pick up his first career save.

Saint Louis will play its final home game of the season on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Billiken Sports Center. Following that game, the Bills will travel to Charlotte for the final conference series of the 2012 slate.